Associate Spotlight: Harold Purkhiser

Harold Purkhiser is the latest Associate spotlight who is a van driver at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport. He has been with Musselman since January 2010 and was recently nominated for the prestigious Rose Award! Read more to get to know another wonderful Musselman team member.

Tell us a little about yourself…Where are you from? What do you like to do outside work? How did you end up in the hospitality industry? When did you join the Hilton Garden Inn Airport team? Etc…

I was born in Campbellsburg, IN on a dairy farm. I was working on the farm plowing ground at 6 years old. I like to travel, go to auctions and attend bluegrass music festivals. I am a people person and love meeting new people.

What was your background (school and/or work) or experience before joining Musselman Hotels at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport?

I worked for A&P Tea Co. while in high school and was promoted to produce manager the day I graduated from high school. I left A&P to join the US Army where I was an M.P. After the army I sold automobiles for 46 years. I was at Oldsmobile for 26 years, Cadillac for 8 ½ years and Lincoln Mercury for 11 ½ years. I also attended a 12 week course at G.M.F.

Did you know anything about hotels and the hospitality industry before starting with us?

I actually knew nothing besides the experience of staying at hotels when I travel.

So what was the learning curve like and how is Musselman Hotels different from other places and/or hotels you have worked in?

I had never worked at any other hotel before coming to Musselman.

Have received any awards/recognition since joining the company? If so, what did that mean for you?

I received a 5 years of service plaque and was nominated for the Rose Award in 2017.

What types of support do you receive from management and other team members?

I get 100% support from management and my fellow workers at the Hilton Garden Inn.

How have your duties at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport changed over time?

I started 11-7 shift for two years and moved to 1st shift when it opened up but my job has remained the same.

What is your favorite thing about your position?

I love meeting people!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Attend Bluegrass Music festivals and to travel.

If you had to choose one motto and/or saying you live by what would it be?

“Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Still working at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport 🙂